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"Parade" magazine recognizes Jones Learning Center

Clarksville, Ark. --- "Parade" magazine has named University of the Ozarks to its "College A-List" for its work with students with special needs.

U of O was one of 15 colleges and universities in the country that made the publication’s A-List in the category of special needs. The university’s nationally recognized Jones Learning Center is one of the oldest centers in the country that assists college students with learning disabilities or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The lists, which can be seen on the Web site Parade.com, were compiled from surveys of high school counselors from throughout the country.

“It is very exciting to be included in Parade magazine’s A-List of universities that work with students with special needs,” said JLC Director Julia Frost. “This confirms and recognizes the dedication and commitment of so many staff members over the years in the Jones Learning Center and all others on our campus who support the varying academic needs of our student body.”

The Jones Learning Center was established in 1971, two years before Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was passed and 19 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“At that time the university made a commitment to serve students who had the potential to achieve a liberal arts degree but needed comprehensive support to make that potential a reality,” Frost said. “No government entity told the university leaders that they were required to do this. Now after 39 years that commitment is even stronger than it was in 1971. After seeing so many students with learning challenges, many of whom had been told they would never be able to receive a college degree, graduate from Ozarks, the reward for all of us on campus is indescribable.”

The JLC has a staff-to-student ratio of 1 to 4.

“I have been told by many educational consultants and high school guidance counselors across the country that our program provides the most comprehensive support of any they have seen on a traditional liberal arts campus,” Frost said. “We are proud and fulfilled by the work that we do, and wish to thank the high school guidance counselors who recognized us this year.”

Other universities that made the Parade’s College A-List in the special needs category were, Adelphi University in New York, American University in Washington D.C., Bard College in New York, Curry College in Massachusetts, Hofstra University in New York, Landmark College in Vermont, Lynn University in Florida, Syracuse University in New York, University of Arizona, University of Colorado, University of Connecticut, University of Denver, University of Georgia and University of Vermont.